Embracing Change: The Hard But Beautiful Journey

I used to have a death grip on comfort. If you would have asked me, I would have denied that comfort was a sin. My routines were sacred, my habits were set in stone, and the mere whisper of change would send anxiety coursing through my veins. Maybe you know that feeling – when the familiar starts to shift and everything inside you wants to dig in your heels and resist.

The Comfort Zone Trap

Let's be honest: our comfort zones are cozy. They're predictable, safe, and require minimal effort. Like a well-worn path, we know every bump and turn. But here's the truth I've learned the hard way – while comfort zones protect us from pain, they also shield us from growth. As Isaiah 43:19 reminds us, "See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland." My goal in life was to know where I was headed and what my future held. I was on the road to achieving every professional goal I had ever had. I was at the point in my career where things would be smooth sailing until retirement. One day, I heard loud and clear, “Are you going to follow the world, or will you follow me?”

Why Change Feels So Hard

When I reflect on why change feels like climbing Mount Everest in flip-flops, several things stand out:

Our brains are wired to resist change. It's not just you – it's biology. Our minds naturally prefer the known over the unknown because, historically, the unknown could mean danger. That's why even positive changes can feel threatening at first.

We're afraid of failure. Starting something new means risking mistakes, looking foolish, or not meeting our own (often unrealistic) expectations. The familiar might be unfulfilling, but at least we know we can handle it.

Change requires energy. When we're already tired from life's demands, the thought of expending extra energy on change can feel overwhelming. It's like being asked to run a marathon when you're already exhausted from a long day at work. But we can find comfort in Matthew 11:28-30, where Jesus says, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest... For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

The Hidden Benefits of Difficult Changes

What I've discovered, though, is that the very things that make change difficult are often what make it valuable. Here's what I mean:

Resilience grows through challenges. Each time we push through discomfort, we build emotional and mental muscle. Like physical exercise, the resistance is what makes us stronger.

Creativity flourishes in new territories. When we're forced to adapt, our minds generate fresh solutions and perspectives we never would have discovered in our comfort zones.

Self-awareness deepens. Change has a way of revealing our true priorities, fears, and strengths. It's like holding up a mirror to parts of ourselves we didn't even know existed. As Psalm 139:23-24 teaches us, "Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."

Strategies for Making Change More Manageable

Over time, I've learned some approaches that make change feel less like jumping off a cliff and more like climbing down a ladder – still challenging, but with clear steps and support:

Start with tiny steps. Instead of overwhelming yourself with a complete transformation, focus on small, manageable changes. Want to become a morning person? Start by waking up just 10 minutes earlier.

Create a support system. Share your journey with others who encourage growth. Their perspective can help you see progress you might miss on your own. "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another" (Proverbs 27:17).

Celebrate small wins. Each step forward, no matter how small, deserves acknowledgment. These celebrations build momentum and confidence for bigger changes ahead.

The Unexpected Gifts of Change

Looking back at the changes I initially resisted most strongly, I can now see the gifts they brought:

Greater confidence. Each change I've navigated has shown me that I'm more capable than I thought.

Deeper relationships. Vulnerability during times of change has led to more authentic connections with others going through similar journeys.

Unexpected opportunities. Doors I never knew existed opened precisely because I was willing to step out of my comfort zone.

When Change Feels Too Hard

There will be days when change feels impossible. Days when you want to retreat to what's familiar and safe. That's okay. Growth isn't linear, and rest is part of the process. The key is to not let temporary setbacks become permanent retreats. Remember Paul's words in Philippians 3:13-14: "But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."

The View from the Other Side

Change is like climbing a mountain. The ascent is challenging, sometimes frightening, and often uncomfortable. But the view from the top? It can take your breath away. From this new vantage point, you can see how far you've come and appreciate the strength you've gained along the way.

Moving Forward

As you face your own changes, remember this: discomfort is not your enemy. It's a sign that you're growing, learning, and becoming more of who you're meant to be. The familiar path might feel safer, but the greatest adventures – and the most meaningful growth – often lie just beyond our comfort zones.

You don't have to embrace change perfectly. You don't have to love the process. You just have to be willing to take one small step forward, then another, and another. Because while change is hard, staying stuck in a place that no longer serves your growth might be even harder in the long run.

Remember, every significant transformation in history – whether personal or global – started with a single step into the unknown. Your journey of change matters, and though it may be challenging, you're becoming stronger and more resilient with each step forward. Take heart in 2 Corinthians 3:18: "And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit."